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Milton council approves interim contract with GrayRobinson, authorizes firm to represent city in pending lawsuit at $350/hour
Summary
The Milton City Council voted unanimously to retain GrayRobinson as interim general legal counsel at $350 per hour and separately approved engaging the firm to represent the city in a current lawsuit at the same $350 hourly rate, pending the firm—s confirmation.
The Milton City Council on March 11 voted unanimously to engage the law firm GrayRobinson for interim general counsel services at $350 per hour and to retain the firm to represent the city in a pending lawsuit at the same rate if the firm agrees.
The council—s action followed more than an hour of discussion about rates, the timeline to secure counsel for ongoing litigation and the process for issuing a request for qualifications. Councilman McKee moved to approve the memorandum of understanding as presented; Councilman Powell seconded. The motions passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the city faced a 30-day deadline to have counsel appear in the pending case after a motion to withdraw was filed; council members said retaining a firm now would ensure short-term coverage while a formal selection process (RFQ/RFP) proceeds.
City Manager Miles Spears told the council the MOU updates a contract with GrayRobinson that was originally approved in 2018 and that the interim arrangement would not preclude a competitive selection process later. "This simply ensures that we have representation for the immediate and the short term future," Spears said.
GrayRobinson attorney Mr. Adams told the council his firm would first review the litigation and advise on the best approach to protect the city. Adams said he estimated "10 or so hours" to get up to speed and recommend next steps, and cautioned that an immediate motion to dismiss with prejudice could expose the city to additional risk without a careful review.
Council members questioned hourly rates: the memorandum sets $350 an hour for general legal work and $450 for litigation work in the draft. Council members requested that GrayRobinson consider a single $350 rate for both general and litigation services. Adams agreed to seek firm approval for the $350 litigation rate and report back.
The council divided its action into two votes. First it approved interim general-government legal services from GrayRobinson at $350 an hour. Then, by separate motion, the council voted to engage GrayRobinson for representation in the current litigation at $350 an hour, subject to the firm—s agreement. Mayor Heather Lindsay and all council members present voted yes on both motions.
Council discussion also covered procurement processes. City staff and the sitting city attorney explained that a formal selection for long-term general counsel typically requires an RFQ/RFP and may take roughly 30 days for responses; council members asked staff to expedite that process if needed. Council members also noted the option to seek a court extension if necessary to meet litigation deadlines.
What happens next: Adams will seek the firm—s approval to set litigation billing at $350 an hour and report back to the council. City staff will prepare procurement documents to solicit qualified firms for permanent legal services while GrayRobinson provides interim coverage if the firm confirms the rates.
Ending: Council members and members of the public who spoke at the meeting urged the council to move quickly to minimize legal exposure and cost. The vote was recorded as unanimously approved by all members present.
